Wednesday, October 16, 2024
10/16/2024
The Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention (Bureau) of the Florida Department of Health (DOH) is seeking $1,483,919 through the National Cardiovascular Health Program to implement evidence-based and evidence-informed strategies aimed at improving cardiovascular health outcomes through the prevention and control of hypertension and high blood cholesterol among priority populations while addressing the social determinants of health in Florida. Florida is the third most populous state in the United States (U.S.) with about 21.3 percent of the population over age 65 and where approximately 6 percent of the population living in rural counties with limited resources and access to care. In 2021, heart disease was the leading cause of death in Florida with about 50,000 deaths from heart disease as the underlying cause. That same year, Florida recorded over 77,000 hospitalizations from coronary heart disease as the primary diagnosis. Heart disease costs the U.S. an estimated $229 billion each year. In 2021, approximately 6.6 million Floridians, or 1 in 3 adults (37.1%) reported having been diagnosed with hypertension and 6.1 million Floridians, 1 in 3 adults (34.4%), reported being told they had high blood cholesterol. The Bureau has been working for more than 25 years to improve health for all Floridians by addressing the burden of chronic diseases, among them cardiovascular disease (CVD) and their risk factors with a focus on priority populations including the elderly, Floridians with disability, racial/ethnic minorities and other vulnerable communities with no or limited access to care. For that purpose, the Bureau collaborates with a statewide network of public, non-profit, and private organizations including health systems, county health departments, federally qualified health centers, universities, health planning councils/coalitions, community organizations and marketing firms. In association with its statewide partners, under this funding opportuni ty, the Bureau will work toward joining existing or creating new learning collaboratives to leverage technical and financial resources to support interventions aimed at improving cardiovascular health outcomes with a focus on those at the highest risk of poor outcomes. The Bureau will work to reduce disparities in blood pressure and cholesterol control by promoting and increasing use of electronic health records, health information technology or standardized processes through the tracking and monitoring of clinical and social services and support measures. Under past funding opportunities the Bureau established a statewide network of 22 health systems supporting health system change in EHR and operate blood pressure self-monitoring within 15 counites highly impacted by hypertension and high cholesterol leading to an overall blood pressure control rate of 80 percent among all health systems and 380,000 Floridians who achieved or maintained blood pressure control. The Bureau will work toward mitigating social support barriers by increasing multidisciplinary partnership and care within populations at highest risk of CVD. The Bureau will address the social determinants of health in populations at higher risk of CVD by linking community resources and clinical services facilitating bidirectional referrals, diseases/risk factors self-management and lifestyle change. Each year, the Bureau will examine successes and barriers through evaluation of implemented strategies and conduct quality improvement activities to ensure continued success throughout the duration of the grant.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
